Take a Deep Dive into Senior Living Design (You Might Be Surprised)
Boomers coming to senior living surprises no one. Still, there are some ‘aha’ moments regarding precisely who they are, what they want, and how to design communities that will appeal to them and the Gen Xers coming behind them.
Take a look at some data from a recent survey report, Boomers and the Future of Senior Living:
The largest share of “probable” senior living move-ins is 28% for the 75 to 79 age group. Only 17% of those from 60-65 are thinking about moving into a senior living community.
Seniors in the older (75-79) age range are more likely to be married, men more so than women.
While the average Boomer has 5 grandchildren, about a third have no children at all.
In general, Boomers are willing to move up to 15 miles from their current location for a senior living community; but a third would move up to 40 miles away, another third would move up to 999 miles away, and 11% would go more than 1,000 miles.
Boomers rated amenities like walking trails, on-site storage, indoor fitness centers, activity rooms, convenience stores, family-friendly lounges, and ATMs as either essential or desirable.
About a quarter of Boomers have annual incomes in the $100,000 or more, while about half report annual earnings of under $75,0000. Slightly over half of Boomers considered to be probable or possible residents have a net worth of $500,000 or more. Fifteen percent have $2 million or more in assets.
Three-quarters of survey respondents rate their health as very good or good, while many say their health is excellent. A small percentage (under 20%) rated their health or that of their spouse as fair or poor.
Thirteen percent of respondents report having from one to three or more difficulties with activities of daily living. The most common challenges reported involve those dealing with climbing stairs, cleaning the house, and driving.
So what does all this say about designing for Boomers? A few key things:
More than their predecessors, Boomer senior living residents want the same kinds of high-tech amenities and conveniences they have enjoyed in the community at large. These include charging stations throughout the building, reliable high-speed Wifi, media rooms where they can stream entertainment, enjoy Facetime with family and friends, hold virtual meetings and training sessions, touch screens to place food/beverage orders, voice-activated devices in their homes, and more.
While many Boomers rate their health as good, the need for support with some ADLs such as climbing stairs, housecleaning, and driving suggests a few basic amenities they will want and need: one-level homes and communities or easy access to elevators, efficient design that minimizes steps from one place to another in the community, availability of housecleaning services and self-cleaning appliances, and accessibility to Uber and other transportation services.
Boomers generally believe their health to be good and want to keep it that way. As a result, they want the same kinds of fitness centers, equipment, classes, wellness activities, and personal training afforded to their younger counterparts in the community at large. Partnerships with local fitness organizations, colleges, or others may enable/encourage intergenerational activities and interactions, which are growing in popularity.
Boomers don’t want to be reminded that they are aging, but they want to be able to age in place. That means that they will need some health services on site. Consider exam rooms, technology for virtual exams, small clinics, partnerships with local pharmacies to simplify prescription fills and provide education/information, etc. to enable residents to get some care without leaving the campus. Safety features like handrails and slip-proof floors also will be useful. However, these features should be subtle and the design should be attractive as well as functional.
Boomers will want opportunities to enjoy extended visits and interaction with grandchildren. They will be looking for communities with kid-friendly amenities and activities. This may mean a pool that is designated as family-friendly, onsite babysitting services, kid-friendly menu items or eateries, childproof outlets and design elements, etc. At the same time, they’ll want spaces exclusive to adults where they can rest, relax, and be themselves.
The survey didn’t specifically address ageism, however, boomers and other older adults don’t want to be stereotyped or labeled. They want communities that enable them to take on their own identity and maintain a sense of purpose and value. They want housing that lets them enjoy a variety of activities and continue to work, volunteer, take classes, and even take on new careers. At the same time, they want to continue to have a quality of life if they become ill or disabled. They don’t want to be constantly reminded of their aging, but they want communities that are safe and easy to navigate. So builders, architects, and designers have to balance safety elements such as railings, ramps, grab bars, and exam/telemedicine rooms with beautiful spaces and lush surroundings.
While designing for Boomers, we are also thinking ahead to the Gen Xers who will be coming on their heels. They will share many of the same needs and wants as Boomers, including health and wellness amenities, high-tech capabilities, and the ability to stay active and have a say in their communities. However, some surveys suggest that Gen X is the first real sandwich generation, and helping to support and care for parents and children has diminished their finances to some degree. In one National Institute on Retirement Security study, only 14% of Gen X earners say they have a pension plan and just over half are eligible to participate in a retirement plan. This demographic will want and need more affordable senior housing and ala carte offerings so they can pick and choose the services that they most want and can afford.
We interact regularly with owners and operators, as well as seniors and their families, and we are always devising ideas and innovations to design and renovate communities that appeal to Boomers and will be attractive to the next generation of older adults as well. Contact us at WHAT to hear more and share your challenges and ideas about the Boomer market.
Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.